GREENSBORO, N.C. — When a Greensboro resident spotted a clown near his apartment complex Tuesday, he thought of recent reports of clowns trying to lure children into the woods, and he grabbed a machete and chased after the character.
Clowns have been spotted in several towns across South and North Carolina, most recently in Winston-Salem and High Point.
Past coverage:
- Creepy clowns: Reports of man trying to lure kids into woods extend to NC
- Winston-Salem police increase patrols after clown sightings
- Deputies hear more reports of clowns in South Carolina woods
Chris Bass said he called 911, grabbed a weapon and chased the clown into the woods.
"I know all the kids in here and it’s just, that's why I took it so serious, because I know all the kids here," Bass said.
Greensboro police said a witness reported seeing a person wearing a clown mask, red curly wig, yellow spotted shirt, blue clown pants and clown shoes.
Officers also searched the area for the clown but to no avail.
Three other sightings were reported in North Carolina this week, with four sightings in South Carolina the week before.
Police in Greenville, South Carolina said clowns were trying to entice children into the woods and had also started knocking on doors.
Police said they will arrest and charge anyone involved in these incidents.
Read more top trending stories on wsoctv.com:
- Pregnant woman shot to death inside south Charlotte apartment
- Greensboro man grabs machete, chases clown into woods
- CMS, CMPD investigating social media threat against Phillip O. Berry Academy
- Mystery newlyweds in breathtaking Yosemite picture come forward
- Authorities charge man after teen shot in Carowinds parking lot
Cox Media Group